Why Direct Action Works

Direct action is successful when it creates a crisis for those in power. It baffles the powers that be because it is truly democratic, merely a movement of movements. So says L.A. Kauffman, organizer of many direct action events, and author of the new book Direct Action: Protest and the Reinvention of American Radicalism (Verso). There is a link between Gandhi, MLK, the Clamshell Alliance, MayDay 1971, Seattle 1999, the Occupy Movements, and today’s resistance against Trumpism. Does direct action instantly correct problems? Of course not. But it radically and often permanently changes the discussion and unquestionably achieves results where other methods do not. When is it appropriate? Listen in!